As the company's first original film, 'Adire' is created, developed, and produced exclusively by its content team.
West Africa’s film company, FilmOne Entertainment, has wrapped shoot and is now in the post-production stage of its debut original feature film, Adire.
With the coming weeks scheduled for editing footage, sound and special effects, the film is on course to premiere to the world soon.
Set in modern times with a feel of ‘vintage’ Nigeria, Adire is a drama that captures the escapades of a young fashion entrepreneur (now retired prostitute), who suffers the effect of a collision between the consequences of her adventurous past and a present messed up by the toxicity of a judgmental clergy’s wife. It stars Kehinde Bankole (as Adire) and Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi (Folasade) in lead roles and features other A-list actors in supporting roles, including Yvonne Jegede, Yemi Blaq, Femi Branch, Idowu ‘Iya Rainbow’ Philips, Ibrahim Chattah, Lizzy J, as well as Ifeanyi Kalu, Kelechi Udegbe, Mike Afolarin, Dami “Goldfish” Ogunsi, Tomi Ojo, Layi Wasabi, Onyinye Odokoro. The film is directed by renowned filmmaker, Adeoluwa ‘Captain Degzy’ Owu, and has Emmanuel ‘Cinemmaofficial’ Igbekele Odihiri as Director of Photography.
The film is written by Jack’enneth Opukeme. “Adire is a theatrical depiction of the struggles of young women in today’s world, interpreted by actors who resonated with its message and were generous enough to allow their vulnerability to bring authenticity to its unreserved emotions, humour and all-round grandeur. I am grateful to the leadership of FilmOne Entertainment for granting me the opportunity to tell this very unique story, and I am rest assured that it would leave audiences longing for more,” said Opukeme.
Producer and FilmOne’s head of production, Mimi Bartels, added: “Adire is developed by professionals in-house and has been a creative joy to work on. The cast and crew brought their A-game, assiduously contributing towards bringing the story to life. What we intend to achieve is to tell a culturally-inspired and engaging story that would resonate with viewers from across different works of life and demographics. With the amount of work that has gone into this, I predict that it will be a household name, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Adeoluwa Owu stated: “Adire is truth and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project and learnt some valuable life lessons as well. Touching on ‘live and let live,’ it promises to leave an imprint on your heart.”
Producer Barbara Babarinsa commented: “Adire embodies unconventional poetic dialogue which redefines the whole essence of storytelling. It’s a relatable, culturally gratifying, and timeless work of art. We gave our all for this; we made magic.”
FilmOne Entertainment is renowned for its co-productions in the recent past, with a filmography that arrays several blockbusters and award-winners, in the likes of Aki & Pawpaw, Fate of Alakada, Ghost and The Tout Too – all written and co-developed in-house; Prophetess, The Wedding Party franchise, and Sugar Rush, to mention a few. Hence, Adire is the company’s first solely produced film, ideated, developed and produced exclusively by its content team.
Co-founders of FilmOne Entertainment and executive producers of Adire, Kene Okwuosa & Moses Babatope, remarked: “Over the years, we have committed to production partnerships that have ensured that film lovers enjoyed the best on the big screen and streaming. Therefore, to consolidate on our successes, we have decided to tap into the abundance of talent and professionalism that constitutes our production team in making our first original – a masterpiece for the global audience. Adire will resonate with the standards of excellent storytelling for a long time.”
Adire is only the first in FilmOne’s slate of originals planned to be shot this year. Two other titles are scheduled to be completed before the end year.
